I have a wonderful weekend to share today.
I met these women several years ago, through the Manic Mommies Book Club. We used to meet as part of a larger annual retreat, hosted by Manic Mommies the first weekend in November, but this year I hosted a mini-escape.
Navigating motherhood, careers, husbands and wives, finding our passions, and more... our connection is strong. An unspoken support, without judgement, a safe place to talk honestly.
Seven women traveling from California, New Mexico, Wisconsin, New York, and Virginia - Four days - Three states.
Thursday
A casual evening to settle in for a long weekend together. We made flatbread pizza, nibbled on cheese and enjoyed bottles of wine (bonus: one of the gals husband's is a winemaker and shipped wine for us to enjoy).
Friday
Mimosa's and homemade Blueberry muffins post run, then off to enjoy Buck's County. It was a humid 70-degree day, perfect for November! We explored shoppes and sat outside for lunch. Bliss.
One foot in New Jersey, one foot in Pennsylvania!
Saturday
NYC here we come! Up and out the door to catch the 9:23 train to Penn Station. Walking from Penn Station to Times Square never gets old for me: the smell of the city, street vendors, lights, and dozens of characters walking the streets. One of my friends mentioned 'sensory overload'. NYC can do that, Times Square is electrifying.
Next up, a 2-1/2 hour hop on/off double-decker bus tour. We were lucky to find seats on the top, to see the sights while relaxing and catching up. I know Manhattan well, playing the role of tour guide several times a year, I highly recommend seeing the city this way.
Our tickets came with a free ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, a must see! Pier 15, here we come. An unexpected treat that made me happy. We timed the ferry ride perfectly, the bus delivered us to The Highline at dusk.
Walking the elevated park back to Penn Station, to catch the 6:10 train. Rather than eating in the city... we decided to have a pajama party and play games back at the house.
We ordered two pizza's, took the train home, changed into lounge wear, drank wine, and played Cards Against Humanity. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Sunday
I woke up with swollen eyes, from laugh/crying so much the night before(!)
Before wrapping up an amazing weekend, we had one more thing to do. I wanted to share one of my favorite things, a trail hike.
Ending an amazing weekend with the gift of friendship, getting to know these women at a deeper level, and forming an unbreakable bond thanks to CAH.
I can't forget to share the thoughtful and creative gifts!
Without discussion, everyone brought a small gift: personalized wine tags, handmade tote bags, candles, and more. My friends surprised me with a lovely hostess gift(!), they each selected a favorite book and included a note explaining its significance.
Below is a photo with the books, should you be looking for a recommendation.
MondayThe weekend hangover included loads of laundry (twelve to be exact), cleaning out the refrigerator, and putting the house back in order. Not a big job, just busy work. My reward... I discovered an open bottle of champagne with enough for one glass!
Can you think of a better end to an amazing weekend?
